Pet Professional Guild Appoints New Equid Division Chair

INVERNESS, Fla. - May 17, 2023 - PRLog -- The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) has appointed Michelle Martiya as chair of its Equid Division with immediate effect. As chair of the Equid Division, Michelle also takes a seat on PPG's Steering Committee.

Michelle is a certified exotic animal trainer through the Animal Behavior Institute who is experienced in working with both domestic and exotic animal species. She owns Essential Animal Training in Boca Raton, Florida, where she coaches people in training their animals through videoconferencing and other virtual media. Michelle has combined her natural "way" with animals and her many years of experience with a robust education in animal behavior and training to specialize in connecting and building relationships with fearful and feral equids.

PPG's Equid Division was established in 2018. In 2021, the division launched a campaign called Horses with Voices, whose goal is to improve companion equid welfare by educating and empowering owners to commit to a higher standard of care for all equid species, from stabling practices to training practices and more. It consists of a seven-point pledge whereby owners, guardians and caretakers commit to advocating for their equid companions while striving to create a harmonious and equal partnership with them.

"I want to use this opportunity to thank Dr. Dorothy Heffernan for her service to the Equid Division and her stewardship over the last two years," said Niki Tudge, PPG president. "Dorothy has returned the reins to Michelle, who helped found the division in 2018. While Dorothy remains an essential member of the PPG Equid Division, Michelle will take responsibility for moving the division toward ensuring we meet our advocacy and education goals for 2023."

"My goal with the Equid Division is to provide more education to PPG's members about equid training and educational materials for our members to share with their clients," said Michelle.

The other members of PPG's Equid Division are Jessica Gonzales, Dorothy Heffernan, Mary Richards, Samantha Rubio, Melanie Watson, and Monique Williams.

Visit https://petprofessionalguild.com/ to learn more.